How To Clean and Restore Your Deck

Step-By-Step Instructions

How To Clean and Restore Your Deck Correctly

Before we get started it needs to be mentioned that properly restoring exterior wood is much more difficult than generally perceived. The notion “that anyone can do it” may be true in reality, it may not be when determining the number of hours and expertise it may take to achieve great results. One common misconception is that a pressure washer is used to restore the wood. It is not exactly true, it is a tool that is used however, if the pressure washer is doing any of the “work” you are doing it incorrectly. Using the proper cleaners, restorers, strippers, and brighteners to actually do the “work” is the correct way to “restore” the wood and prepare it for staining. The pressure washer should just be a large rinsing tool to help save time, the work can actually be done with a garden hose and low pressure, if you are using the right restoration products. If you are going to take on this task let us help you with step-by-step methods to follow. If you need further assistance with the “how-to’s” or the products, please contact us toll free (609) 268-3436 or at info@deckrestorationplus.com

Equipment Needed:

·         Tarps, Plastic, Blue Tape

·         Pressure Washer or Garden Hose with a Nozzle that has multiple settings including a “jet” setting,

·         White Tip or Black Chemical Tip

·         Pump-Up Sprayer

·         Deck Cleaner or Deck Stripper and a Deck Brightener

·         Staining Brush and/or Pump-Up Sprayer

·         PPE - Personal Protection Equipment Gloves, Boots, Safety Glasses etc.

1.    Set up all the equipment first because we will use water as a protective barrier.

2.    Cover and protect surroundings and valuables. Use heavy mil plastic to cover electric outlets and other valuables using blue tape. DO NOT use plastic on plants as this will cause a greenhouse effect and brown or kill landscaping and plants. Now use the hose or pressure washer to pre-wet anything you are worried about like concrete, plants, and surroundings. If chemicals, products, or stain get through a covering it will further dilute and be protected by the water barrier. Cover these items with tarps.

3.    Next prepare your solutions for Step 1 (Cleaning or Stripping) and Step 2 Brightening.

4.    Pre-wet all wood surfaces. Keep them wet throughout the process by misting as necessary. Water, acting as a barrier, will keep you from making issues with the products that can mark or damage the wood. It also keeps the products closer to the wood surfaces where it will be most effective. When we need to rinse, it is easier if the products are closer to the surface. It is difficult to rinse deeply embedded chemicals and products that when left can unnaturally dry out and deteriorate the wood.

5.    Apply Step 1 product and allow to properly dwell on the wood. Dwell time is the time allowed on the wood to do the “work.” Cleaners are typically 10 minutes +/- and Strippers are usually 20-30 minutes. These times vary for factors like how many previous coats, temperatures, climate, and different manufacturers products (some are more difficult to remove than others).

6.    Rinse, rinse, and rinse again. When there is no evidence of products then you are done this step.

7.    While the deck is wet, re-wet if necessary, and apply Step 2 Deck Brightener. You will instantly see the wood lighten and brighten. This will also open up the wood cells to better accept the stain. Most brighteners will also remove metal, rust and iron stains caused by hardware and metal deck furniture.

8.    Rinse deck again after 10-30 minutes, follow manufacturer recommendations.

9.    Clean up and leave plastic up until finished staining.

10. Next, it is key to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on drying time and when to stain the deck. You will want to again cover plants and more with tarps.

11. Begin staining working from the bottom up. This is different than painting, a drip is the first coat and if applying two coats to the deck then all drips are a third coat and will show up when completed. If you drip on a previously stained surface, you can brush it in with no issue. When staining the floor, it is best to go board by board from one end to the other. Staining in sections may leave lap marks. This is when a wet coat is applied to a dried coat. Rule of thumb staining is to “keep a wet edge.” Suggest order is outside lattice or skirting, outside of railings, inside of railings, floor of deck, steps and done.

12. Allow to dry as suggested by the manufacturer before adding furniture or use.

“The Standard”

1.   Pre-wet all wood surfaces.

2.   Use products to restore the wood, not pressure.

3.   Rinse, rinse, and rinse again.

4. Stain or coat the deck to protect it and extend its longevity!